Hi. I am a self-taught mixed-media artist who lives in Michigan. . . I have started this blog to share with you the art that I make, and perhaps a story now and then. . . and . . . who know, perhaps every now and then I will have a profound thought . . . let's just see where journey takes me! . . . your welcome to come along! smiles . . . ja-who-dee

Thursday, August 23, 2007

This is a picture of my dad and I. This was taken back in the later 80's, I think. Pretty sure around then anyway. This was at my parents house for a Hawaiian themed Christmas party.

My dad was the type of dad who truely tried to make sure we had what we needed, when we needed it, and to try his darndest to help us get our wishes. Of course, I know and appreciate that much more now that I am older than I did at the moment. You know, being just a kid and all . . .

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Now I see the world as a candy storewith a cigarette smilesaying things you can't ignore . . .

The first time I took the "inner rock star" quiz I chose these as what I would sing. There was another phrase that I was drawn to, and I wanted to answer the quiz with what I would wear if I could, not how I dress now (there ain't no flat stomach to show off folks!). So I went back and redid the quiz. My dress a tad bit differently, and my lyrics now being:And I use my ddressto wipe up my drinkI care less and lesswhat people think . . . okay, so jumping from "saying things you can't ignore" doesn't necessarily mean I can't "care less and less what people think" . . . does it?Oh heck, who knows, I'm wacky. I think you've all figured that out by now!But the result of the change was . . . nothing! My inner rock star is still Ani Difranco, who Kaleigh believes to be awesome, so what the heck, I've ordered up "Not A Pretty Girl" CD by Ani. I'll give you my review after it comes.I also decided to try to find a good book to read. Right now I am reading the book "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower". Not my favorite of books. Oh, I'll finish it, but I won't give it a rave review. The book reminds me of "Catcher In The Rye" and actually the book is mentioned more than a few times. I favor Wallflower over Catcher. But neither will I ever read again.I think I shall try a couple books from the author JoAnn Mapson. I am looking at reading "Bad Girl Creek" and "The Owl and Moon Cafe". She has several books, but I thought I'd start with those. Hope they are two thumbs up. I could really use a good book right now!love ya, Ja-who-dee

When it comes to Europe, you don't want to decide between culture and fun. You want art by day and a big party by night.Barcelona is ideal for you. You can check out some Picasso, eat some tapas, take a siesta, and then dance all night!

all the days of summer gone? Wow. Yesterday and this morning it has felt like fall is in the air. We've needed rain for some time now, so I'm not complaining about that, but a little warmer temperatures with it sure would be nice.

The art today is a little 3x3 I made for my friend Paula. We are doing a swap with a total of 13 artist. Each artist creates a little 3x3 for the others. Each artist has their own theme, and when you receive all 12 3x3's, you then put them together to create one big collage.

Paula's theme was "white caps" . . . whites and sepia . . . a beach thing. I found the little advertisement for girls camps, and this old photo (the date on the back said 1912) and the gal is in a "sailor suit". And then of course, you have to have shells . . . perhaps this young miss went to one of these camps in her day?

Friday, August 17, 2007

this is an older musing of mine, but I hate the thought of you all coming to visit and there not being anything new! And, with this being Friday, there definetly wouldn't be another posting until Monday.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

As I have written before, I don't remember much of my childhood. I don't know, perhaps because I was the youngest there are many things my sister Mary would remember that I wouldn't because of the age difference? Who knows. I think it bothers Mary more than it does me sometimes . . . What do you mean you don't remember that?! . . .

Any way, yesterday bits of Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" ran through my brain. Today I kept thinking of bits of the childhood poem about the day of a week that a child was born on. Sure I wasn't getting it all right, I had to ask my old friend Google for some help.

This is the poem:

Monday's child is fair of face;Tuesday's child is full of grace;Wednesday's child is full of woe;Thursday's child has far to go;Friday's child is loving and giving;Saturday's child works hard for a living.But the child that is born on the Sabbath dayis fair and wise, good and gay

So, I suppose with out looking it up, you all know what day of the week you were born on? Sigh, not I. But poking around on the internet, I found that on the day I was born, it was a Thursday. I guess this is better than a Wednesday and being full of woe . . . But Thursday's child has far to go . . . to where? For what? Am I half way there? Almost there? Just more questions to ponder!

I also found that David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels did a tune titled "Thursday's Child". I haven't a clue how the tune goes. I kind of can't get passed picturing David Bowie in "The Labyrinth" with all the little muppets and puppets. I just really was never a big fan, but the lyrics of the song "Thursday's Child" do interest me enough that I may just have to find a copy on CD to play.

You get up every morningFrom your alarm clock's warningTake the 8:15 into the city There's a whistle up aboveAnd people pushin',people shovin'And the girls who try to look prettyAnd if your train's on timeYou can get to work by nine

this is a recycled collage. I made this quite some time ago for a lottery drawing at ARTchix Studio Ya-Ya-Sisterhood group. To tell the truth, I don't even remember who I ended up sending it to . . . . someone very awesome I am sure!!!!!!!

Monday, August 06, 2007

My heart swells with grief, but my mind cannot find the path to my hands to type out the words to express my grief. I found comfort in the below poetry, and hope that those of you who knew and loved Kitty can find some quiet peace in it too.

Bye bye sweet Kitty, I will miss you, but know that you are no longer in pain, and you have taken the hand of God and will be waiting for me when I too must take his hand and begin the journey.

Hugs and Kisses,

ja-who-dee

Don't grieve for me,for now I'm freeI'm following the path God laid for meI took His hand when I heard Him callI turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,to laugh,to love, to work or play.Tasks undone must stay that wayI've found that peace at the close of the day.

If parting has left a void,then fill itwith remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrowI wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.My life's been full, I savored muchGood friends, good times,a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.Lift up your hearts and share with me,God wants me now,He set me free.

Friday, August 03, 2007

Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains?Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?Can you paint with all the colors of the wind

Hazel sang the song "Colors Of The Wind" for her very first Talent Show at Fulton Elementary. She was in the first grade. We got her a little white "Indian Dress" and had to put her red hair in braids because "That's howPocahontas wears it mom". She was the cutest little red headed Indian :*) :*)

In a few weeks Hazel will be begining the fourth grade. sigh. Time passes by so quickly!

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Keeping hope alive is based on remembering how we made it through the past with God's help.

~Sister Joan Chittister

Again, I would like to thank you all for your wonderful emails and prayers during this difficult time for my husbands family. Your prayers are felt and greatly appreciated! I for one am not giving up hope!